what to do for a cat with arthritis

Arthritis
in cats

You may notice that as your cat gets older they aren't equally nimble as they once were. Information technology'due south easy to assume this is just a natural part of ageing; however, just like humans, cats can suffer from a debilitating affliction called arthritis. Today, it's estimated that i.v million cats live with arthritis across Australia and New Zealand.

As cats naturally disguise hurting and discomfort, arthritis tin be very hard to spot. It's important that owners learn to recognise the subtle signs so your cat can get back to being its normal self.

Although arthritis is a lifelong condition, it can be managed with advisable treatment and simple changes to your cat's domicile and lifestyle.

4 signs

Using a chair to get to the favourite spot

Arthritic cats might use a chair to help them leap onto a table, bed, chair...

Nearly
arthritis

What is feline arthritis?

Feline arthritis is a degenerative joint disease, where the cartilage within the joint is worn away, leading to inflammation, hurting and decreased quality of life.

Until recently, the significance of arthritis in cats has been largely unrecognised. Clinical studies accept shown that as many as 1 in 3 cats suffer from arthritis, even so few are diagnosed in practise and even less receives treatment.

Primarily, arthritis is caused past clothing and tear over time.Some studies bear witness more than xc% of cats over 12 yearsare affected, but it tin develop in cats as young as two. Other factors that may increase the risk of arthritis include injury and trauma to joints, such as a sprain or fracture, an infection, genetics and obesity.

Healthy cartilage
& os

Mild cartilage
harm

Astringent arthritis
with cartilage and bone
changes

Signs
of arthritis

Cats naturally disguise pain and discomfort as a defence mechanism so the signs of arthritis are difficult to spot. You lot can help identify arthritis early by keeping an centre out for somesubtle changes in behaviour:

Changes in hygiene

• Reduced time spent training
• Disordered and scruffy coat
• Inappropriate urination or not using the litter

Changes in mood

• Irritable when handled
• Increased aggression or bitter
• Avoiding contact with people or other animals

Reduced action

• Increased time sleeping
• Hesitant to play
• Unwilling to become out or explore

Reduced mobility

• Hesitant to leap up or down
• Making smaller jumps
• Difficulty climbing the stairs, getting into the litter or using the cat flap
• Stiffness

Some subtle behaviour changes yous may observe in your cat

Arthritic cats may be hesitant to jump off a table

Arthritic cats might be hesitant to climb stairs

Arthritic cats play lessfrequently and spendmore fourth dimension sleeping

Arthritic cats might use a chair to help them leap onto a tabular array

Diagnosis
& direction

Often the first step in diagnosing arthritis is recognising the signs at abode. If you see any of the subtle signs, it'south a good idea to take your cat examined past your vet. They may be able to find swelling, hurting and inflammation or accept a radiograph to confirm any suspicions.

The skilful news for cats and their owners is that arthritis can exist managed successfully with appropriate treatment and simple changes to your true cat's environment.

Medication for arthritis tin can assist reduce pain and inflammation to improve your cat's quality of life, though it will not cure arthritis. In many cases, animals afflicted by arthritis volition need to be on medication for the rest of their lives.

The most commonly used drugs for managing arthritic hurting are chosen non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These drugs tin be very effective at decision-making the hurting and inflammation associated with arthritis, merely pet owners must take proper care when administering them and they should always be used under direct veterinary supervision to avoid the run a risk of side effects.

Usually, a combination of medication and complementary approaches, including diet and weight management and physiotherapy is used to treat arthritis.

Every true cat requires a specific handling programme. Your veterinarian volition exist in the best position to discuss a tailored treatment program for your cat.

Special supplements & Diets

Omega-three fat acids

Chondro protectant

Illness Modifying Agents,
Nutraceuticals

Weight control & exercise

Weight reduction, nutrition management

Physical rehabilitation

Physiotherapy, gentle exercise, massage,
Hydrotherapy, Heat and common cold therapy

Pharmaceuticals

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs,
the cornerstone of arthritic pain management

Tips to help look after your cat

• Have regular cheque ups; as cats age information technology'southward important to maintain advice with your vet to ensure they're enjoying their senior years.
• Encourage play and interaction to provide exercise and mental stimulation.
• Cut their claws or provide a scratching mail
• Spend some time cleaning and grooming your cat.
• Provide a litter tray with a depression side for easier access. Keep information technology in asecluded place where they experience safe; avoid busy areas of the house andposition away from the cat flap.
• Brand sure nutrient and water is easy to access and go along a 2d basin of water in a dissever place.
• Have steps or ramps for access to higher spots
• Provide a soft comfortable bed in a quiet location.

Print

Think to always follow the advice of your vet.

Instance
Study

See the difference treatment tin make

Helping you manage
feline osteoarthritis in practice

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Source: https://catswitharthritis.com/

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